Taping machine



P. J. DEWYER TAPING MACHINE Aug. 11, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 1, 1950 I N V EN TOR. We%.flm/y% f iilvitiw P. J. DEWYER TAPING MACHINE Aug. 11, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 1, 1950 INVENTOR. eih 667W @0221 P. J. DEWYER TAPING MACHINE Aug. 11, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April 1, 1950 INVENTOR. We? ym 0M2MJMJ9$44M P. J. DEWYER TAPING MACHINE Aug. 11, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed April 1, 1950 INVENTOR. flax/ya;

Patented Aug. 11, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE TAPING MACHINE Peter J. Dewyer, Libertyville, Ill.

Application April 1, 1950, Serial No. 153,328

7 Claims. 1

This invention relates, generally, to apparatus which will operate to withdraw pressure sensitive adhesive tape from a supply roll, sever it into predetermined lengths and wrap the tape around an object such, for example, as a hand of bananas, a bunch of asparagus, or bundles of objects generally.

In connection with the operation of self-service type groceries and markets, the practice of bundling produce into individual bundles is already established and is being expanded at an increasing rate. For example, it is now the practice to bundle or tape a hand of bananas and then mark on the tape the price of the hand based on the weight thereof or the number of bananas therein. This merchandising technique serves to speed up sales since the customer merely has to pick out a hand of bananas which meets with his approval and has an acceptable price. At the checking station, the checker merely has to note the price of the bundle or hand of bananas so that there is no delay involved in counting or weighing the bananas.

Other items of produce which may also be bundled includes such things as broccoli, rhubarb, asparagus, celery, etc. Outside the produce field, many other articles may be similarly put up into taped bundles including such things as frankfurters, tooth brushes, pencils, straws, cigars, etc.

Various things have been used for securing such items together in bundles including such things as string, rubber bands, wrapping paper, and tape, both the water activated type and the pressure sensitive adhesive type. In so far as I am aware, the tying or taping of such bundles has previously been carried out by hand and the expense involved for labor to perform such operations is substantial.

Furthermore, the hand bundling operations tend to injure certain items of produce which are easily bruised such, for example, as bananas. Such bruising and damaging of the merchandise entails an appreciable loss.

One of the best materials which can be used for securing together bundles of merchandise is pressure sensitive adhesive tape. This can be purchased in a wide variety of colors and can be printed with attractive repeated designs containing advertising or printed matter. Often, it will be desirable to use a crayon or pencil to mark on the tape the price or weight of a taped bundle and pressure sensitive adhesive tape is available which will readily take and retain crayon and pencil marks.

Pressure sensitive adhesive tape is sold in the form of rolls and practical difiiculties are involved in removing the tape from a supply roll, severing it into pieces of predetermined length and applying these pieces by hand to items to be grouped or bundled, such as hands of bananas,

The object of the present invention is apparatus which operates automatically to withdraw pressure sensitive adhesive tape from a supply roll, sever it into pieces of predetermined length and position the severed pieces of tape over a portion of the apparatus which will gently and without injur wrap the piece of tape around a bundle of elongated objects, such as a hand of bananas, when such a bundle is placed into the wrapping mechanism in contact with a portion of the sticky side of the tape.

An important object of the invention is apparatus which will continuously withdraw pressure sensitive adhesive tape from a supply roll thereof, sever the tape into pieces of predetermined length, and support these pieces at opposite ends until removed, with one end being carried on a support which is swingable towards the support for the other end.

Another object of the invention is apparatus for withdrawing pressure sensitive adhesive tape from a supply roll and severing it into pieces of predetermined length wherein the tape is withdrawn and supported on pins having longitudinal slots in the tape engaging surfaces thereof and a knife mechanism is arranged to be operated by the pins so that a knife blade is in turn projected into each of the slots as each pin rotates past a cutting station.

Still another object of the invention is apparatus providing an elongated bite opening between cushioned surfaces, one of which is moving relative to the other so that when an object, such as a hand of bananas, with a piece of pressure sensitive tape adhering to one place thereon is pushed into the entrance to the bite opening, the object will be rolled through the bite opening so as to wrap the tape around the object before it is discharged from the bite opening.

Yet another important object of the invention is apparatus for wrapping a piece of tape around an irregular object requiring gentle handling, such as a hand of bananas, which apparatus will continuously withdraw the tape from a supply roll thereof, sever it into pieces of predetermined length, position the severed pieces of tape over the entrance into an elongated bite opening between cushioned surfaces so that when the object is applied to one end of the severed piece of tape and then fed into the entrance to the bite opening, the object will be rolled so as to wrap the tape around the object and withdraw the other end from its support.

Certain other objects of the invention will, in part, be obvious and will, in part, appear herein after.

For a more complete understanding of the nature and scope of the invention, reference may now be had to the following detailed description thereof taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of a machine forming one embodiment of the invention which is particularly suited for taping hands of bananas in accordance with the principles of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a rear elevational view of the machine shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a handof bananas taped or bundled with a piece of pressure sensitive adhesive tape by the machine of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the wrapping mechanism of the machine of Fig. 1 and showing a wrapped or taped hand of bananas being discharged therefrom;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary detail plan view taken on line 55 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a View corresponding to- Fig. 5 but showing the relationship of the cushioned surfaces when a hand of bananas is inserted in the bite opening therebetween;

Fig. '7 is a fragmentary front elevational view on an enlarged scale showing the tape severing mechanism of the machine shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is an elevational view taken on the lefthand side of the tape severing mechanism as shown in Fig. 7

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary detail sectional view taken on line 39 of Fig. '7; and

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary elevational view on enlarged scale taken on line |0-|0 of Fig. 1.

The machine is designated generally in Figs. 1 and 2 by the reference character 5. The machine 5 has a frame which may suitably be fabricated from angle iron stock or other suitable frame material. The frame includes a pair of front legs 6-6 (Fig. l), a pair of rear legs 1-1 (Fig. 2), with a pair of side members 88 extending therebetween. A horizontal frame member I0 extends across the front legs 6 while a frame member extends between the rear legs I. The members l0 and II project beyond one side of the machine and serve as a support for an electric motor l2 which drives the machine.

Converging members |3|3 project from the upper ends of the legs 6-6 and Cross members |4-l4 extend between the upper ends of the legs 6-6 and and have projections |5 extending beyond one side of the machine as shown.

Cross members l6'-|6 and extend between the upper ends of the converging members I3 and serve to support the opposite side members |8|8 of a vertical guideway for the square or rectangular post which fits slidably therebetween.

The bottomend of the post 2|] is tapped and a bolt 2| is screwed therein and may be locked in any desired position by a lock nut 22. A pin 23 projecting rearwardly from the bottom end of the bolt 2| fits into an eye on one end of a lever 24 which is fulcrumed intermediate its opposite ends by a pin 25 projecting from one of the converging members l3. The other end of the lever 24 is pivotally connected to the upper end of a turnbuckle connection 26, the bottom end of which is pivotally connected to the converging member |3 at a point below the pin 25 as indicated at l9. It will be seen that the position of the post 20 between the guide members l8 may be adjusted by turning the turnbuckle 26 in the desired direction. Further adjustment 4 can also be obtained by adjustment of the connecting bolt 2|.

The upper end of the post 20 serves as a journal for an axle 21' on the: front end ofv which is mounted a wheel hub 28 in the form of a fiat circular plate or disk. A sprocket wheel 30 is mounted on the rear side of the hub plate 28 and. provides a means whereby the wheel hub 28 may be rotated by the motor [2 as will be described hereinafter.

The wheel hub 28 serves as a support for six regularly spaced spoke members 3|-3|. Each of the spokes 3| is rounded at its other end and is so pointed at its inner end that the spokes may be fitted together at the center of the hub plate 28 as shown in Fig. 1. A plurality of holes 3232, equally spaced apart, are provided in each of the spokes 3| in order that they may be fastened in different positions of radial adjustment on the wheel hub 28, depending on how far out it is desired to have the spokes 3| project. The hub plate 28 is provided with six pair of. radially aligned holes which are spaced apart a distance equal to the distance between the center of one of the holes 32 and the center of a second hole 32 away from the first hole so that a pair of bolts 3333 may be used to retain each of the spokes 3| in place on the hub 28. The position of the spokes 3| may be readily changed by removing the bolts 33 from each of the spokes 3|, moving the spoke members so that the desired set of holes 32 register with the holes in the hub plate 28 and then replacing and tightening the retaining bolts 33.

A forwardly projecting tape supporting pin 34 is carried on the outer end of each of the spokes 3|. Each of the pins 34 is provided on the rear end with a stud 35 (Fig. 10) which extends through an opening provided therefor in the end ofv each spoke 3| so that each pin may be retained in place by a nut 36 threaded onto said stud 35 from the backside as shown. Each of the pins 34 is providedwith a longitudinal radial slot 31 and each pin 34 is so turned that its slot 31 is turned radially outward as shown, for example, in Fig. 1. The slots 3'! permit a knife blade to sever tape carried on the pins 34 as will be described in detail hereinafter.

Each of the spokes 3| is provided with a swingable arm 38 which is pivotally attached to the front sides thereof by means of a bolt 46 which extends through holes provided therefor in the arm 38 and the spoke 3| and which may be secured in place by a nut 4| as shown in Fig. 10. The arms 38 are formed of fiat stock and they fit fiatwise against the spokes 3| for the greater portion of their length. Each of the arms 38 has an outwardly bent portion 42 (Fig. 10) provided with a straight end portion 43 to which is attached a forwardly projecting tape supporting finger 44. Each of the fingers 44 is arranged to fit sidewise against the pin 34 which is associated therewith, and preferably, the outermost longitudinal edge of each finger 44 lies somewhat radially beyond the outermost longitudinal edge of the associated pin 34 as shown, for example, in Figs. 1 and 10.

In order normally to press each of the fingers 44 against the side of the associated pin 34' toward which the spokes 3| and the hub plate 28 rotate, as indicated by the arrows in Figs. 1 and '2, each of the arms 33 is provided with an offset portion 45 at the inner end thereof having a hole 46 therein through which one end of a tension spring 4'! may be attached with the other 5 end of the spring being connected with the next forward spoke member 3| through an opening 48 provided therein as shown in Fig. 1.

A supply roll 50 of pressure sensitive adhesive tape may be supported on a pin 5| projecting from the outer end of an arm 52 attached to one of the converging frame members E3. The position of the spool 56 is such that it is aligned with the tape carrying pins 34 so that when the spokes and wheel hub 28 are rotated the tape T may be withdrawn from the supply roll 56 and pass over the pins 34 as shown, for example, in Fig. 1. The tape T also passes over the fingers M which are pressed against the sides of the pins 34 and since the outer longitudinal edges of these fingers lie somewhat beyond the tape supporting surfaces of the pins 34, the tape adheres to a greater surface on the side of a slot 31 away from the finger 44 than on the side next to the finger 44. This arrangement is beneficial since it facilitates the withdrawal of one end of a severed piece of tape onto one of the fingers 44 while the other end of the piece of tape adheres to the pin 34 carried on the preceding spoke 3!, as will be described hereinafter.

The apparatus for severing the tape T supported on the pins 34 is indicated generally in the drawings at 53. This apparatus is swingably mounted at the bottom on a shaft a l supported in a sleeve bearing 55 attached to the side of the projecting frame member 55 adjacent the outer end thereof. On the rear side of the bearing 55 the shaft 54 is provided with a crank arm 55 having a hub 51 which fits over one end of the shaft 54 and is keyed thereto by means of a pin 58. A spring (Fig. 2) is attached to the outer end of the arm 55 at one end and at the other end is attached to one of the converging frame members l3 through a hole El therein. The tension spring 69 thus tends to pull the cutting mechanism 53 inwardly against the rotating tape supporting pins 34. On the front projecting end of the shaft 3 there are mounted vertical posts 52 and 53. The post 62 is the shorter of the two and the upper end thereof terminates a short distance above the level of the center of the hub plate 2d. The longer post 63 extends up to a point which is level with the top of the circle generated by the outer ends of the spoke members 3! when they are adjusted radially to their most extended position.

A lug or car 64 projects from the side of the shaft 54 away from the machine 5 and serves to support a third vertical post 65. The post 55 is threaded on the lower end and projects through an opening provided therefor in the lug 64 and is secured in place by the locking nuts 56 and GT lying on opposite sides of the lug 64. The posts 62 and 53 serve as vertical guides for a knife supporting structure comprising a pair of sleeves 68 and lo between the upper ends of which a knife mechanism indicated generally at H is supported. The sleeve 63 is slidable on the post 62 while the sleeve it is slidable on the post 63. The slidable frame structure for the knife mechanism H is normally supported in its uppermost position by means of a compression spring 12 fitting around the guide post 53 in-between the bottom end of the sleeve is and a stop collar 13 secured in position on the post 63 by a set screw 69. The upward position of the sleeves 58 and I0 is limited by a cam member it having upper and lower frusto-conical portions i5 and Hi. The cam member 14 has a central hole exgages the cam surface of the cam 92.

tending therethrough which is internally threaded so as to screw upon threads provided on the post 65. The post 65 extends through an opening provided in a cross member 11 extending between the sleeves 68 and H! and this member ll engages the bottom surface of the cam member 14 so as to limit upward movement of the supporting structure for the knife mechanism H.

The knife mechanism H comprises a fiat, rectangular member 18 which is slotted from the front end so as to receive in the slot a flat bladeholding clamp 80. The member '18 is provided with vertical holes adjacent opposite ends thereof so as to permit it to fit over sleeve members 63 and 79. The member 18 is attached to the upper ends of the sleeve members 68 and 10 adjacent their upper ends. The blade holder 89 is pivoted adjacent one end on a bolt 8! (Fig. 8) extending through registering holes provided therefor in the member 18. The bolt head 82 fits against the upper side of the member 19 and the bolt is secured in place by a nut 83 screwed on the lower end thereof.

The blade holder has a projection 34 (Fig. 9) on the end opposite to that which is pivoted, which projection 84 engages the adjacent sleeve 68 when the holder 89 is pivoted 'backwardly by means of a tension spring 85 connected between a pin 86 on the holder 80 and a pin 8'! on the slotted member 18, as shown in Fig. 9. The blade holder 80 has a cam engaging portion 88 extending from the rear side thereof which is arranged to repeatedly engage the frusto-conical surfaces of the cam member It during operation of the machine as explained hereinafter.

The blade holder 80 is itself longitudinally slotted from the end having the projection 84 inwardly adjacent the end which is pivoted on the bolt BI and a tape cutting blade 99 is clamped in the holder Bl] by clamping screws 9l-9l, The blade 90 has a razor edge and may be easily removed and replaced by loosening the clamping screws 9 I.

A cam member 92 (Fig. 7) is attached to the member 18 and sleeve member 1i) adjacent the upper end of the latter and on the side towards the machine 5. A projection 93 extends from the lower end of the cam 92 and has a hole therein which is internally threaded so as to receive a set screw 94 having a head 95 on the upper end thereof. A lock nut 95 serves to lock the set screw 94 in any set position. As the wheel hub 28 rotates, the cam 92 serves to in turn engage each of the pins 3& behind the fingers d4 of the associated arms 33 and the cam surface controls the position of the cutting mechanism 53 so that each of the pins 34 in turn engages the head 95 on the set screw 94. The set screw 94 is so adjusted that when one of the pins 34 engages the head 95, as shown in Fig. 7, the slot openin 37 in the pin will lie opposite the knife blade 90 so that the knife blade 99 may be projected into and withdrawn from the slot 31, when the knife holder 80 is operated by the cam 14.

A cam block 9? fits slidably over the upper end of the post 63 and is locked in position thereon by a set screw 98. The block 9! has a concave cam surface Hill which is adapted to be engaged in turn by each of the pins 34 before the pin en- The function of the cam block 91 will be made more apparent hereinafter in connection with the description of the mode of operation of the machine 5.

The rotating wheel structure comprising the hub plate: 28; and: the. spokesv 3.4.; with: t ir: as: sociated: parts operates in conjunctiom with; t we;

tape: severing mechanism. 513: to. deliver; pieces 0155 her tube I 04, such :as: the typeusedgonlairp ne;

wheels. The cushion IIlI: is. preferably; forme of a compressible material; such: as;spnge;r. 1hbel -air.-.foam -rnhl:ier, or the-1ike,,and itlhap i concave surface I ilfiiwhich has a: radius 10f eillli ael ture-correspondingto that;ofrthe.outersperiphery: of the-tubular 4 cushion; I 0:4? carried. onlthetwheel; I02; The cushion IOI is;supported;on.the;back-. side by a curvedtplate vlllbi'to. which-.the;.0l1Sh-iQn" may. be adhesively-secured. The plate; I05; has: a. lug or earl- I06 projecting from=ther reanside: thereof: A pin loIz'extends throughgthe ear; I05; and the upper end of. a link. I 08;: which is pivotally; connected by-a pin that; the lowen end togonc of the frame-legsfi. The link. I 08 carries a.clamp.-; ing member III which is.providediwith-.a longirtudinallslot H2; The leg BZhaSarDIQJ GGtiQHJ' extending to. one sidethereof which carries a: pin IiI-i whichprojectsthrough the slotil Iland is-providedwith. a wing nut H5. Byl tightening down: thewingnut. I155. the link; I0,8:-can;b. clamped in: any.-desired: angular position. relative to-the: leg 6 so .as. thereby-to position the.cushion I 0 I S with; respect.- to,;.the, periphery; of. the-tubular cushion 14.1

Thawheel: I02-iscarriedion a, shaftor. axle; I I 5, forwardly of: the fronts set of. legs.6.. Theraxle H5 is supported. onabearing-lilzln (Eig. 2) which is halted: totthe frame and a. sprocket-.wheeli, I I8 islprovided on the rearlendof-ithe-aale N63 The sprocketwheels I10 is mounted il'lzthfi same.' plane as the sprocket whcel. 30; carried on the hackzof the. hub plate 28; and. beneath the. sprocket wheel: M0: there is; mounted another; sprocket wheel. 'I20 carriedl- On an, axle I21: supportedby a bearing I22 bolted to the frame. A drivechain I23 runs: over the sprockets H8; 'I201andi 30-. I alsoruns over an;idlerguidesprocket I214: sup: ported on. a member I25; having. slots; Miss-.126 provided; therein by.-which itmay. beadjustably clampedi one the side of. the frame memberwlll by:- means of: wing. nuts IZJTIZFI'. The, idler sprocket;:l2t may be adiustedsol as to keep. the chain. I 23: tight, depending upon. the position; of vertical adjustment. of the wheel; hub; 28: That is;. if; 1the;-wheelhub. 28 is lowered, then the sprocket I24: is. shifted: outwardly whereas; when the Wheel. hub. 282 is lifted; the sprocket I245 is shifted inwardly;

Thecha-in I 23? is driven by meansofia, sprocket wheel; I28: mounted on'a shaft I30: carriedbya bearingmlfifl which; is; halted to;ltheside of the frames. The axle I30 also. carries: a larger sprocket I32 .mounted in the plane of thedrive sprocket 1133 "of: the electric motor- I2;- Axdrive chain .It3;4 runs over the sprocket wheels; I32 and I33.

It will be'seen that the motor IZ acts'through the. chains; I.3- 4:-and'- I231 to; drive the cushioned wheeli I-02 in. aclockwise direction as; viewed in Figs. 1:. and awhile the hub plate 28 withthc-attached spoke members 3;I. is; driven in a, counterclockwise=direction.

Mode of operation The; machine, 5; operates inthe following; manner: A roll of supply tape is placed over the supporting; pin it on the arm 52 and the. tape 'nriswit-hdrawrr. y: hanv d; p c d=0vera rQ C the. pins 3.4; so as; to overlie the;slots;3;'| therein. The motor I2 is; ner ized;and' he ma hine 5; begins to l operate. the huh plate, 28: turns carrying with itythe spoke members 3I and thein associated: parts, more; tape is withdrawn; fromthesupply roll 50.,

When. one of: the pins 34;. (in approximately the, 9100. oiclock-positionir Fig. 1) engages thehead; 9.510n the set screw 94,. of;the;cam 92,; itlseryes to d press the. knife I m chanism; -Il a ried on the: s eeves Gland!! gainstr he o ce Q ha p ne 12. A the; nife. m han m. 1 ravcl s owne wardlyl in; unison with; the pin- 3,4... engaging; the.

boltzzhead 95; the;cam projection; 88. on itheiblade holden 8,0, engagesthe cam. member I 4 and is actuatedso as; to force; the cutting. blade 90 into the'sl tfllpf the-p n 3 e t pe lyineover. this slot is; therebysevered. After the cam engag ng, projectiont fl; passes by the center of thecam member? and dropsdownonthebottomsurface 16: thereof, the spring serves to retract the knife; blade ;outof the-slot 3Z1.v It will be noted that;du ring this tapesevering operation there is only a slight relative;movementbetween the slot, 31, and'the knife blade 90 except for. the movement of the blade into and, out. of the slotlopen ing. The;width-ofthe slot- 3-1. is sufiicientto ac,- commodate such slightrelativemovementjdue to the rotationof the pin- 34 as .it turns,.with.its supporting spoke l (H The cam. block 91 is so positioned and, con structed that after the cuttingoperatiomhasbcen completed, the pinMinapprQ imately, the 11 :00 o'clock position will.engage thevertical edge I35 of the cam block. 91 andtilt. the cutting mecha nism 53.away fromthe Wheelstructure This tilting action disengagesthe bolt head 95; of theset screw 94-fromthe pin 34,where the cutting action hasjust taken place and permits the knife mechanism I I- to .besnapped to its upper position where the cross piece 11 engages the bottom of the cam IA.v

After the 11,100 oclock ,pi n 34,passes ar0und the bottom end of the vertical edge I35 of the cam block 91, it enga es the curved portion I00 thereof and is. maintained therea-gainst by. means of a tension spring 60. In this manner, each of the pins. is guided, into position by the surface I00 and the surfacelof thecam 92'so asto engage the bolt head, 9.5. Thereupon, the cutting operation is repeated so that the tape T'is severedwhereit lies over,-each of,the slots,31.

After. passing theeutting, station, eachpiece of the pressure-sensitive adhesive tape is supported 0n,the.front,endonone of the pins 34-, as shown in Fig, 4, whilethe following endof. the severed piece of tape is supportedlon the finger 440i the swingable arm 38 carried with. the following pin 34: As the wheel structurerotates, this pieceof' severed tape is brought down over the upper end or entrance to the elongated bite opening; between the cushion IOI and thetubular cushion I041 The machine attendantnow places a handof bananas indicated at Ain Fig. 4 onthe upper adhesive coated piece of-tape adjacent the pin 34 to which the-leading end of the adhesive tape is attached. The operator presses down on the hand; of bananas.A thereby freeing the pieceof tape {rpm the pin 3 l. and inserting; thehand of bananasjnto the entrance to thebite opening, as; shownin; Fig. 1 Thus, as the hand ofbananasenters into the bite opening, one-endof the piec of tape is stuck to the; side,- of the hand of bananas A while the main length of the piece of tape is free and attachedat the. rear end to thefinger 44 of the fol;-

- the supporting finger 44. The bite opening is of such a length as to insure that the piece of tape will be completely wrapped around the hand of bananas A before it is discharged from the machine as indicated at B in Fig. 4.

The bottom end of the cushion Hll is unsupported by the backing plate use and as the hand of bananas approaches the discharge end of the bite opening, it acts to oi'twardly deform the unsupported end of the cushion member as shown in Fig. l. This action allows the hand of bananas to be gently discharged onto a traveling conveyor belt I35 so as to be carried away from the machine 5.

While the operation of the machine has been described in connection with the taping or bundling of a hand of bananas with a taped hand being represented in Fig. 3, it will be appreciated that the machine 5 may be used as shown, or with minor adjustment and modification, to apply and wrap pressure sensitive adhesive tape around other objects including bunches of carrots, celery,

broccoli, asparagus, and other items, such as pencils, glass rods, sausages, etc.

The cushion member lfil may be replaced by a pneumatic type cushion and the inflated tube iii-l may be replaced by a sponge rubber tire. The depth and hardness of the cushion members may be selected in accordance with the requirements of the objects being handled.

M It will be understood that the machine 5 may be used tov sever pieces of tape of greater length by moving out the spoke members 3| and then lifting the entire wheel structure mechanism by adjusting the turnbuckle 26 so that each piece of severed tape will be properly positioned over the entrance to the bite opening between the cushion members.

Since further changes may be made in the foregoing construction, and different embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, all matter described above or shown in the accompanying drawings is intended to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed as new is:

1. Apparatus for withdrawing pressure sensitive adhesive tape from a supply roll thereof, supporting predetermined lengths of the tape from opposite ends while each length of tape is severed, and swingably sup-porting one end of a severed length of tape after the opposite end has been freed from its support, comprising in combination, a wheel structure, supporting means for said wheel structure whereby it is rotatable about its principal axis, a plurality of tape sup- "porting pins regularly spaced around said wheel structure and projecting at right angles to one side thereof, said pins serving to in turn engage the adhesive side of said tape as said wheel structure rotates so as to withdraw the same, each of said pins having a longitudinal slot centrally located in the tape engaging surface thereof into which a tape severing knife blade may be projected, a tape supporting finger ex- 10 tending along each of said pins on the side toward which said wheel structure is adapted to rotate in operation, supporting means for each of said fingers whereby it is movable away from the pin with which it is associated in the direction of rotation of said wheel structure, and spring means connected with each of said fingers for pressing it towards its associated pin, each of said fingers serving to assist in withdrawing said tape by engaging the end of a length of tape that is also engaging the adjacent tape supporting pin and to temporarily support said end of the tape after it has been pulled off from the adjacent tape supporting pin when the opposite end of the length of tape has been pulled off from its tape supporting element.

2. Apparatus for withdrawing pressure sensitive adhesive tape from a supply roll thereof, supporting predetermined lengths of the tape from opposite ends while each length of tape is severed, and swingably supporting one end of a severed length of tape after the opposite end has been freed from its support, comprising in com bination, a wheel structure, supporting means for said wheel structure whereby it is rotatable about its principal axis, a plurality of tape supporting pins regularly spaced around said wheel structure and projecting perpendicularly to one side thereof, said pins serving to in turn engage the adhesive side of said tape as said wheel structure rotates so as to withdraw the same, each of said pins having a longitudinal slot cen trally located in the tape engaging surface thereof into which a tape severing knife blade may be projected, a tape supporting finger ex tending along each of said pins on the side toward which said wheel structure is adapted to rotate in operation, supporting means for each of said fingers whereby it is movable away from the pin with which it is associated in the direction of rotation of said wheel structure, spring means connected with each of said fingers for pressing it towards its associated pin, and tape severing means mounted so that the blade thereof is arranged to in turn enter into each of said slots in said pins so as to sever the tape adhering thereto, each of said fingers serving to assist in withdrawing said tape by engaging the end of a length of tape that is also engaging the adjacent tape supporting pin and to temporarily support said end of the tape after it has been pulled on from the adjacent tape supporting pin when the opposite end of the length of tape has been pulled off from its tape supporting element.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said knife means is actuated by means operated by rotation of said wheel structure.

4. Apparatus for withdrawing pressure sensitive adhesive tape from a supply roll thereof, supporting predetermined lengths of the tape from opposite ends while each length of tape is severed, and swingably supporting one end of a severed length of tape after the opposite end has been freed from its support, comprising in combination, a wheel hub, supporting means for said wheel hub whereby it is rotatable about its principal axis, a plurality of regularly spaced spoke members mounted on said hub, a tape supporting pin mounted on and adjacent the end of each of said spoke members, each of said pins extending at right angles to the plane of said spoke members and projecting from the same side thereof and each pin having a longitudinal slot centrally located in the portion of the surface thereof which is engaged by tape supported on said pins 'as'said'spoke' members rotate' with said hub, 'said slots serving 'as'openings into which a knife blade'may be projected for" severing said tape extending thereacross, a finger-carrying arm pivotally mounted-on each f of said spoke members so as to be swingable'par- 'allel to the plane of said spoke members, atape engaging finger mounted on the outer endof-each of said arms so as to fit sidewise against that side of the pin carried on the associated-spoke member toward which the spoke members'rotate said' sidewise fit againstits associated pin, each of said fingers servingto assist in withdrawing saidtape by engaging the end of a length of tape that I is also engaging the adjacent "tape supporting pin and to temporarily support said'end of the tape after it has been pulled off fromithe adjacent tape supporting pinwhen the opposite end of the length of tape has been pulled :off

'from its tape supporting element.

'5. The apparatus of claim i'wherein'thertape :engaging'surface of each of said tape engaging "fingers'is spaced radially beyond said tape engaging surface of the associated pin whereby tape fitting around said pins and fingers has greater surface engagement with I each pin on the side of said slot away from the associated finger.

6. Apparatus for withdrawing pressure sensitive adhesive tape'from a supply roll thereof and severing it into-pieces of predetermined length 'which'are supported at opposite ends until removed, comprising in combination, a wheel hub,

supporting means for said wheel hub whereby it is rotatable about-its principal axis, a plurality of regularly'spaced spoke members mounted on said hub, a tape supporting pin mounted 'on and adjacent theend of each of said spoke members, each of said-pins extending at right angles to the plane of said'spoke members andprojectingfrom the 'same side thereof and eachpin having a longitudinal slot centrally located in the portion of the surface thereof which is engagedby-tape supported on saidpins as said spoke members rotate with said hub, said slots serving as openings into which a 'knife blade may be projected for severing said tape, 'a finger carrying 7 arm pivotally mounted on each of said spoke members soas tobe swingable parallel to the plane of said spoke members, a tape engaging finger mounted on the Outer end Lo'f each of said arms so as to fit sidewise againstthat side of the'pin carried 'on'the associated spoke member toward which-the spoke members rotate during operation of said apparatus, each of said fingers having a'tape-engaging surface "disposed so as to engage the tape and assist in the withdrawal thereof, spring means -associated with 'each of said armsnormal1y pressing the finger carried thereon into said sidewise fit against its associated pin, and tape severing means mounted in-operative relationship with said pins so as to in turn sever tape supported .thereon, said tape severin means :comprising, a frame structure, support means for :said frame :structure whereby it is swingable about afixed axis" towards and away :from the sides of "said pins as the latter turn with said spoke members and'wheel .hub, a knife mechanism slidably mounted on said frame structure having a cam operated knife blade positioned to .be in turn projected into *each of said slots in' said pulses the r-latterzrotate with said wheel hub, aknife operatingapam carried in fixed position on-'said frame structure:so

as to be operatively engaged by said knifermeehanism during the course'of its"sliding' 'movement,

a projection eXtendin'g'from said knife meehaprojection whereby said bladepperates to sever the tape on said'pinduring' the-"sliding movement of said knife mechanism and'a cam'mou'nted on said frame structure adapted' tobe in"turn-='engaged by each of said pins "for "swinging said tape'severing means out of its'operative position 'so as to in turn freesaid'projectionfrom-em gagement with each of "said pins "at theend "of said sliding movement.

7. Apparatus for withdrawing pressuretsensitive adhesive tape from "a supply roll thereof,

supporting fpredetermined lengths of "the tape from "opposite ends while each length of '?tape is severed, and swingably supporting one end'o'f a severed .length of i'tape "after'the opposite end has been'freed from its support, comprisingin combination, wheeltmeansincluding a plurality of tape supporting elements :fixe'dly- 'spa'ced around the periphery 'of'said wheel'means each of which has a raised 'ta'pe enga'ging surface extending at least approximately perpendicular to'the plane of .said-wheel'means, each'of said elements serving to successivelyengage and withdraw the tape and'tozsupportthesame as' the same is severed into saidpredetermined lengths, a tape supporting finger normally extending alongside reach of said/tape supporting elements on the side thereof towards which said wheel means is adapted .to rotate, support means tfor supporting each :of said lfingers on said wheel means sothatit will engage the .;end of a severed piece .of tape which is 1 engaged .withthecadjacent tape supporting element and v.so .that it will be swingable away from its associated'tape supporting element-in acdirection corresponding to the direction-of rotation(of said wheeLmeans, and spring means connected .witheach-of said fingers. and a fixed portion of .said Wheel .means for normally pressing: each of saidfingerstowards its associated tape supporting element, each of said fingersrservingatorassist in withdrawin'gsai'd tape andto temporarilysupport :the 'end iof a length. of tapeengaged therewith :after this :end has been pulled ofi from theiadjacent tape zsupporting element when lthe opposite end lof the length of tape .has beenpulle'd o'if fromlits tape A supporting element.

TPEII'ER J .DEWYER.

References Cited in "the file oftlils patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,597,931 .Smith et al #Aug. 31, 1926 1,882,695 Aldrich etal. goct. 18, 1932 2,130,729 Burn's 561317. 20, 1938 2,241,658 Engberg d,.. May :13, .1941 2,274,623 .Hawkins nee- 1Feb.:24, 1942 2,435,795 Quinlan Feb. 10,:19'48 "2,449,047 Anderson -Sept. -14, :1948 2,466,715 'Krue'ger 'Apr. 12, 51949 2,558,398 Tyler .Jmei26,ll1951 

